Pink, red and white azaleas light up many South American backyards each spring. Azaleas are fairly easy to grow, and if you care for them properly, you will be greeted with stunning blooms year after year. The types of plants whose leaves are green all year round make the yard look cheerful even in the winter months. See Step 1 to learn how to grow azaleas and keep them healthy for years to come.
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Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Plant
Step 1. Choose the right azaleas for your garden
Azaleas are widely grown in southeastern America, as they thrive on mild winters and long summers. Azaleas are hardy plants that do not require much preparation for planting. Different types of azaleas have different needs. So pay attention to what type you choose so that you are satisfied with the results later.
- Azaleas are available in two main classes: native azaleas, which grow like vines and don't need pruning, and Asian azaleas, which grow as shrubs.
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Asian azaleas are available in two types, both of which are evergreen plants:
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Kurume Hybrid.
It is bright red in color and continues to grow in one area. This species can be grown in a container, raised ground level or directly in the soil, and will not be larger than 90 to 120 cm in height. This breed does not require too much care.
- South Indian Hybrid, on the other hand grew very tall and large. It comes in many colors, usually bright pink and white, and usually grows tall enough to cover a window or door. If you have a large space, this type may be a good choice for you, but you will need to trim it every once in a while.
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- The Azalea Society or your local nursery can recommend types of azaleas to grow in your area. There are descriptions and examples of hybrids online or at your local garden or landscape supply store. Choose just one type of azalea, or combine several different colors and types in the garden for variety.
Step 2. Choose a shady planting spot
Choose a spot in the garden or in a lawn that has shade – azalea enthusiasts refer to it as dappled shade. This particular blend of shade and sunshine is perfect for azaleas. If you plant them in full sun, the azaleas will not grow well. According to the American Azalea Enthusiasts Association, azaleas thrive best under shady trees.
There are many types of deciduous azaleas that grow well in full sun, so look for these first if you don't have much shade
Step 3. Make sure the soil has good drainage
Azaleas need well-draining soil, not one that retains water after rain. To determine if the soil is drying well where you will plant your azaleas, dig a hole before it rains, then check again after it rains. If the hole is filled with stagnant water, it means that the soil does not have good drainage; probably high clay content. If the water is gone, it means the soil is suitable for azaleas.
If the soil doesn't have good drainage, you can mix it with compost or other organic matter to make it more loose. Loosen the soil to a depth of several tens of centimeters, then mix with well-draining materials. Another option is to plant your azaleas in pots or soil that is higher than the surrounding soil level, so you can manage soil drainage more easily
Step 4. Determine the acidity of the soil
Azaleas prefer acidic soil, such as pH 5.5 or pH 6. If soil testing reveals alkaline soil, mix some sulfur in the soil to balance the acidity, before planting.
Avoid planting azaleas near concrete paved roads, driveways, or building foundations that can release lime (which can increase the pH of the surrounding soil)
Part 2 of 3: Planting Azaleas
Step 1. Dig a hole and plant azaleas
Use a garden shovel to dig a hole in the soil deep enough to cover the roots and base of the plant. Dig a few centimeters wider than the root ball, and place the azaleas upright in the hole until the top of the root ball is slightly below soil level. Place the soil into the hole around the plant. Spread the soil around and under the azaleas and gently tap it with your fingertips.
- Wet the azaleas before planting. Soak the root ball in a bucket of water, or use a hose to moisten it, before planting in the soil.
- If you are planting more than one azalea, make sure the holes are a few inches apart.
Step 2. Water the azalea plants
Water the plant and soil slowly and thoroughly. Water again the day after planting. Plants should be watered at least once a week, except when in direct sunlight, in which case the plant should be watered more often. Take care not to dry the azaleas, because they will wither when dry.
Step 3. Apply humus around the azaleas when the flowers stop appearing
Use pine chips, pine needles, sawdust or wood chips between the bushes. This will keep the soil moist and the soil temperature even. Humus will also prevent weeds from growing.
Step 4. Fertilize if needed
If your soil is fertile and acidic, you don't need to fertilize often. If you choose to fertilize, do so in the spring, after the azaleas have developed. Use an acid-forming fertilizer such as fertilizer from cottonseed meal, or choose a special azalea fertilizer.
Improper fertilization will cause plants to flower at the wrong time, so be sure to fertilize only when needed
Part 3 of 3: Pruning Azaleas
Step 1. Prune the dead stems in the spring
By pruning the azaleas early, the plant's energy will be channeled directly to produce new growth. Look at the azaleas for dead stalks or other spots that need pruning. Use a cutting tool to trim the azaleas. Cut off the dead stems.
Don't trim too much at the start of this time. Each healthy stem you cut will probably produce beautiful flowers in the spring. If you want to drastically change the shape of your azaleas, wait until summer comes
Step 2. Do some pruning once the flowers are no longer popping
Now is the time to change the shape of your azalea bush if desired. Cut the long stalks that emerge from the main stem to maintain the azalea's natural shape. Trim areas that seem too congested to encourage airflow and improve the appearance of the shrub. Make sure you mow carefully – don't use hedge cutters to trim any bushes that grow in all directions.
Don't be late for pruning at the end of the year. Prune no later than 3 weeks after the plant is not blooming – otherwise you will cut down on the flowers that will appear next year
Step 3. Perform major pruning if necessary
If you have overgrown azaleas and you're ready to cut them down, you can safely prune them about 30 cm from the ground and the plant will grow back beautifully. Do this after the spring flowers have gone, so the plant has time to acclimate before the next growth phase.
Tips
- While many people discard azaleas after only one bloom, you can make azaleas bloom again by exposing them to cold air for at least 2 months.
- Avoid fungal infections by using a fungicide spray when disease occurs on the petals (petals turn brown and mushy), or disease on the leaves appears (small white spores that will turn brown).
Warning
- Try keeping the soil pH slightly acidic between 4.5 - 5.5
- Do not give azaleas fertilizer. That can cause the plant to flower at the wrong time.
